The benefit of good design compared with something ‘off the shelf’

Anyone who has ever picked up a home renovation magazine will know that there is no shortage of companies that can sell you a new kitchen or bathroom.

It’s just a matter of phoning and someone will be out, tape measure at the ready and quote book in hand. Most of these types of businesses will offer a range of cabinetry, equipment and finishes from a fixed library of styles. There may be a basic conversation about what you want in your new kitchen, and in a lot of cases, the layout will stay exactly as it has been, just with an updated look.

And for some people, this road may be an adequate solution.

There is however, another path that I believe is definitely worth considering.

This is to engage a qualified designer who will drill a lot deeper, and who can come up with ideas you may not have even thought of in planning your kitchen or bathroom renovation. This path will also ensure a far more tailored result than what can be achieved with a more standard option.

Kitchens and bathrooms can have a lifespan of around 15 years and so I believe it is wise to spend a bit more time at the outset ensuring that it accurately reflects the functionality and visual style you are seeking. Getting this right can have a huge impact upon how you feel about your home, and the ease with which you live in it.

Many times it is the finer details that will impact upon how much you love your new space. This can include the logic of the layout, the amount and configuration of storage, the provision for task and ambient lighting and how the area integrates with other parts of your home, just as examples.

Investing in a new kitchen or bathroom is a significant undertaking, both in terms of your time and money. A risk with an off-the-shelf solution is that it is unlikely to feature the extra care and effort that comes with a tailored solution developed by a designer, leaving you with a compromised result.

Make the extra effort at the outset by using the services of an experienced kitchen or bathroom designer. In this way, it will be customised to match exactly with how you live and you are sure to reap the benefits for many years to come.